Part 4 Ratifying the Constitution Creating a Republic Part 4 Ratifying the Constitution

Just because the majority of the members of the constitutional convention had signed the document didn’t mean it automatically became the law. At least 9 out of the 13 original states had to RATIFY or approve it.

Many people in the states broke into two groups: Federalists Anti-Federalists

Federalists Favored a strong national government. Thought the Constitution would protect the basic rights of people. Were led by men such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay who wrote “The Federalist Papers”, which defended the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists Feared the Constitution would make the national government too strong, and would weaken state governments. Thought Congress and the President would be too strong. Were concerned that there was not a Bill of Rights.

A tense battle developed in some states between the two sides.

One by one the states debated the Constitution and began to ratify it One by one the states debated the Constitution and began to ratify it. By June of 1788, 9 out of the 13 states had ratified the Constitution, so it could now become the law of the land. However, two large states, Virginia and New York, had not yet approved it. Fortunately, they eventually did, and the country was more unified.

The Nation Celebrated Because he had lead our nation to victory in the Revolutionary War, had been the President of the Constitutional Convention, and now was our first President, George Washington became known as the “Father of our Country”. Americans voted, and Washington was elected to be the President. Congress had 59 Representatives and 22 Senators New York City was the first capital.

The Bill of Rights Some states were hesitant to accept the Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was included. A Bill of Rights is a document that lists freedoms the government must protect. The creators of the Constitution created the Amendment process in case additions ever needed to be made.

The Amendment Process Either 2/3 of both houses of Congress propose the amendment, or 2/3 of states can have special conventions. Then, 3/4 of the states must approve the amendment. In over 200 years, there have only been 27 amendments. Of those, the first 10 were passed shortly after the Constitution was ratified.

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. They were created to ensure basic freedom, and to make sure the government treated citizens fairly.

Amendment #1 Freedoms of Religion, Speech, the Press, Assembly, and Petition

Freedom of Religion-you can practice any religion or not practice any religion. Freedom of Speech-you have the right to express an opinion without consequence of the law. Freedom of the Press-newspapers, websites, t.v. stations, etc. can investigate and criticize without consequence of the law. Freedom of Assembly-The right to protest. Freedom of Petition-The right to ask for and expect help from the government with problems.

Amendment #2 The Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Amendment #3 Lodging Troops in Private Homes

Amendment #4 Search and Seizure

Amendment #5 Rights of the Accused

Amendment #6 Right to a Speedy Trial by Jury

Amendment #7 Jury Trial in Civil Cases

Amendment #8 Bail and Punishment

Amendment #9 Powers Reserved to the People

Amendment #10 Powers Reserved to the States

The 26th Amendment This amendment is not part of the Bill of Rights but it is an amendment that will affect all of you in a few years. This amendment was passed on July 1, 1971. The 26th Amendment changed to voting age for citizens from 21 to 18.